France is to end the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040.

The announcement was made by Energy Minister Nicolas Hulot as he presented the nation’s Climate Plan.

It includes plans to offer tax incentives to replace diesel cars that are more than 20 years old and petrol vehicles manufactured before 2001.

The government also intends to get rid of coal-fired power plants by 2022 and encourage homeowners to generate their own energy.

They are part of France’s plans to become carbon neutral by 2050.

Earlier this week, car manufacturer Volvo said all of its new vehicles will be hybrid or electric from 2019.